Blair Greenfield of Brantford, ON, a horse racing fan for 37 years, got off to a slow start in Saturday's Trot Canada National Handicapping Championship, but a strong finish assured him of the $25,000 grand prize.

What did it take for Greenfield to take home the winner's portion of the $34,000 event? Greenfield hit for ten winners out of 20 races, including the 10-1 shot Last Call Hanover in Race 9 at Woodbine. Five of Greenfield's winners were at Woodbine, where the event was held. Greenfield selected the winners of Races 5, 6, 9, 10 & 11. He also had the winners of Races 8, 9 & 11 at Georgian and Races 2 & 3 at Fraser.

Greenfield said he really didn't have any strategy going into the event and says he's going to spend the $25,000 paying some bills. Greenfield qualified in SC's Last Chance Handicapping Contest where entrants were asked 15 questions relating to racing programs from across the country on Saturday, October 11. Greenfield answered correctly in seven of the 15 categories. The questions tested players on everything from the number of nose wins to the drivers with the most wins to the winning time of the night's fastest horse.

Leni Caldwell, who qualified at Fraser Downs in BC, was the runner-up in Saturday's event and took home $5,000 for her efforts. Caldwell selected seven winners out of 20 races. Donna Parker who qualified in the Xtreme On-Line Contest finished in third and picks up $2,500. Fourth-place finisher Del Faggiani won $1,000 and qualified at Hanover while Earl Foster who qualified at Kawartha Downs took home fifth place money ($500).

The handicapping championship officials from SC would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all of the championship participants and all of the racetracks and associations who supported this event and a special thanks to Woodbine Entertainment for being the host venue for the Championship.

To look at an online photo gallery of the 2008 TCNHC, click here.